RELEASED: July 11, 2001

DANVILLE, KY—After 15 years at Centre College, Vice President and Dean of Student Life Nancy Lackey has announced she will be leaving the school prior to the upcoming school year.

Lackey, a native of Lynchburg, Va., who came to Centre in 1986, said she believed it was the right time "to start a new chapter."

"It was time for a change," said Lackey, who will continue to live in Danville. "I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do, but it seems like a good time to write that story."

Lackey added, "We have just had another very strong year, and we have good people in place who make up a very talented team. I feel great knowing that I'm leaving the department in more than capable hands."

Lackey is proud of many accomplishments she and her staff have made during her time at Centre. Among those were maintaining the "Centre experience," better meeting the needs of today's student, and having strong personal relationships with Centre students.

"The improvement over the last several years of residential and social spaces, such as the Combs Centre Warehouse and Greek Park, have also allowed for enhanced co-curricular opportunities for students," she said.

President John Roush had mixed emotions about Lackey's departure.

"I am very disappointed for the College to be losing a person of Nancy Lackey's stature and experience," Roush said. "She has been and will remain a trusted friend and colleague. On the other hand, I am delighted that she is in a position to re-think and, in fact, re-start her life of work and service. What a remarkable chance for her."

Randy Hays, associate dean and director of residence life and counseling, who has worked at Centre for nine years, will take over Lackey's duties on an interim basis this coming year.

"We will miss working with Nancy on a daily basis," Hays said. But I'm comforted to know that she will be a resource for me in the future. I'm inheriting a strong situation. And I look forward to continue having close relationships with the students."

Aside from plotting her future over the next year, Lackey said she is looking forward to having the chance to spend more time with her family in Virginia.

Lackey received her undergraduate degree in geography from Mary Washington College in Fredricksburg, Va. She received her master's degree in counseling and higher education administration from the University of Virginia.

In 1986 Lackey was named director of counseling and residence life. In January of 1993 she was named the interim dean of students. That summer she was named dean of students. In 1999 Lackey became College vice president and dean of student life, the first female to hold this position at Centre.

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